aIL12-T cells

aIL12-T cells are an experimental cell therapy consisting of T cells genetically modified to express a membrane-anchored form of Interleukin-12 (IL-12). In this construct, the IL-12 cytokine is fused to a transmembrane domain (such as an EGFR-derived transmembrane peptide) to ensure it remains tethered to the T-cell surface rather than being secreted into the systemic circulation. This design is intended to overcome the severe systemic toxicities, such as cytokine storm and liver damage, typically associated with recombinant or secreted IL-12 therapies. By localizing the cytokine to the T cell, aIL12-T cells can provide paracrine and autocrine stimulation within the tumor microenvironment. Preclinical studies in osteosarcoma patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models have shown that while aIL12-T cells provide some level of tumor growth inhibition, they are often used as a benchmark or control for more advanced 'armored' T cells that include additional tumor-targeting ligands.

Other names

membrane-anchored IL-12 T cellsanchored IL-12 T cells